It’s not every day that you see a cowboy hat-wearing Wyomingite teaching the value of respectful communication to a packed gymnasium, but Jan. 14 was no ordinary day. As part of Northwood’s annual State of the Student, students were encouraged to replace their backpacks and binders with cookies and dodgeballs.
The event featured a schoolwide lesson, a special NTV segment and a variety of group activities run by ASB and teacher volunteers, all focused on the theme “Together We Thrive” to address microaggressions on campus. PTSA contributed $2,500 toward hosting guest speaker Dallin Cooper, who encouraged students to challenge their assumptions about others. Although opinions on his assembly were mixed, many students enjoyed spending time with friends during the non-academic day.
“We had a fun time,” freshman Isaiah Paez said. “I just feel like the atmosphere in State of the Student really helps people feel comfortable and less stressed, to have less anxiety knowing that they have people around them to talk to.”
Originally introduced as Wellness Day during the 2015-16 school year, State of the Student has since contributed to Northwood’s goals to support social-emotional learning, increase school spirit and foster belonging on campus as part of their action plan for accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The event was planned by a committee of staff and students who determined the theme, lessons and activities using surveys taken throughout the year. The committee focused on bringing students together through active team sports, like basketball and pickleball, and more relaxed activities, like board games and karaoke.
“We tried to include different types of activities students like,” community liaison sophomore Avery Empalmado said. “I really appreciated that students actually wanted to stay and play the activities that we put a lot of effort into.”
Administration enforced mandatory attendance, tying future senior events to participation rates. Still, 250 people, or about 11% of the student body, were absent for one or more periods of the event according to attendance clerk Lena Paiva. While some students felt less engaged by the lessons of the day, many still enjoyed the academic break.
“Considering how stressed we can be,” sophomore Sophia Carter said, “having a relaxing day might be a bit more important than learning important things in life.”
ASB hopes to further incorporate this year’s State of the Student theme into their messaging throughout the rest of the school year. Students are encouraged to give feedback to their teachers or Student Forum representatives, who will forward it to ASB. However, committee members believe the biggest impact stems from active student involvement.
“I’m open to all new ideas,” activities director Jennifer Petrosian said. “Culturally, in Irvine, school is a place where you go to work. It’s not necessarily a place where you go to have fun. That’s what I’d love to build.”
